Selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the third round of the 2017 NHL Draft, Stuart Skinner has steadily worked his way into a key role with the team. Though just three years into his NHL career, Skinner developed through lower leagues like the ECHL and AHL before establishing himself as a reliable goaltender in the NHL, contributing significantly during the Oilers’ recent Stanley Cup Final appearances.

Notable Early Misses Among First-Round Selections

The 2017 draft’s first round saw some disappointments despite the number of players still active in the league. Nolan Patrick, picked second overall by the Philadelphia Flyers, has struggled with concussion issues and has not played since the 2021-22 season after only 222 games and 77 points. Cody Glass, selected sixth overall by the Vegas Golden Knights, has moved between four NHL teams and recorded 93 points across 252 games. Lias Andersson, the New York Rangers’ seventh overall pick, last played an NHL game during the 2022-23 season, totaling 110 games.

Finding Value in Later Rounds of the Draft

The 2017 draft was relatively sparse in late-round value picks, but a few second-round selections made noteworthy impacts. Jason Robertson (39th overall, Dallas Stars) and Mario Ferraro (49th overall, San Jose Sharks) have become regular contributors, as have Eetu Loustarinen (42nd overall, Carolina Hurricanes) and Nic Hague (34th overall, Vegas Golden Knights). In the fourth round, Ottawa Senators’ pick Drake Batherson (121st overall) has been productive with 116 goals and 293 points in 391 games, and Mikey Anderson (103rd overall, Los Angeles Kings) has played in 345 games.

Comparing Skinner to Other Goaltenders from His Draft Class

Among goaltenders selected in 2017, Skinner ranks near the top in NHL appearances with 174 regular-season games. Only Jake Oettinger (251 games), drafted 26th overall by Dallas Stars, and Jeremy Swayman (190 games), selected in the fourth round by Boston Bruins, have played more. Another goalie from the class with over 100 NHL games is Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen of the Buffalo Sabres. Skinner’s 78th overall selection places him ahead of many peers in terms of NHL impact.

The Oilers’ Decision to Select Skinner Proved Sound

Within the context of the third round, none of the other players drafted, besides Skinner, have reached 77 NHL games. Although Jeremy Swayman was taken 33 picks later, Skinner was ranked higher by NHL Central Scouting, which listed him as the fifth-best goaltender in the draft, compared to Swayman’s 12th rank. Skinner has become a crucial presence for the Oilers following the departure of Mike Smith and Mikko Koskinen. His upcoming season as a pending unrestricted free agent will be decisive for his long-term future with the team.

Contextualizing Skinner Among Past Oilers Draft Picks

Skinner’s progression can be viewed alongside other notable Edmonton selections from recent years, such as Jesse Puljujarvi (2016), Darnell Nurse (2013), Nail Yakupov (2012), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (2011), and Sam Gagner (2007). Each of these players contributed in various ways to the Oilers’ fortunes, underscoring the importance of strong draft choices to the team’s competitive aspirations.